Why and how is international talent choosing Russia? 👨‍💻

That was the focus of a roundtable held last week as part of the 11th All-Russian Forum “Science of the Future — Science of the Young”, dedicated to opportunities for international researchers in Russia.

The discussion was about more than science. It was about choice — choosing a country, a professional environment, and a new chapter in one’s career and life.

Jakob Pinneker, CEO of the OKA Agency, emphasized a key principle: relocating to Russia should not mean putting your career on hold or starting from scratch.

International specialists bring valuable expertise, experience, and ambition. At the OKA Agency, our goal is to make their integration into the Nizhny Novgorod Region a story of mutual benefit: the region offers talented professionals a strong foundation and new opportunities, while they contribute expertise, international perspectives, and fresh ideas.

Researchers with firsthand experience in Russia shared their perspectives:

▫️Russia is becoming a genuine destination for international talent
Professor Sergey Sazhin of the University of Brighton noted that Russia has changed and now offers a comfortable environment for living alongside significant opportunities for the future.

▫️A long-term professional career is possible here
Vishnu Dayal Rajput, originally from India, has lived and conducted research in Russia for 10 years, focusing on bio-nanotechnology for soil restoration and leading a BRICS project. Håkan Hedenmalm from Sweden has also been successfully working in St. Petersburg for several years.

▫️Russian science operates at a global level
Andrey Abramov of University College London, recognized by Clarivate among the world’s most highly cited researchers, presented his research on neurodegenerative diseases at the forum.

▫️And opportunity is not the only factor — the human environment matters, too
Professor Vittorio Calabrese of the University of Catania, Italy, spoke warmly about Russia and noted the shared romantic spirit of Italians and Russians.

Their experiences highlight an important point: building a career in Russia does not have to mean stepping into the unknown. It can be an opportunity to expand your professional horizons, contribute your expertise, and take your career in a new direction.

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